Top private equity news of the week

154 Partners has closed its debut private equity fund at $400m, reaching its hard cap as investor appetite persists for lower mid-market strategies.

The firm, backed by Blackstone veteran David Blitzer, is targeting smaller businesses across sports, live events, residential services, and business services, with a particular focus on companies supporting the sports ecosystem.

Founded by former Blackstone Tactical Opportunities professionals Isaac Harrouche and Mike Berlin, 154 Partners is positioning itself in a segment where competition is less intense and operational value creation can be more pronounced.

H.I.G. Capital has appointed Brian Schwartz as Chief Executive Officer, as the private equity firm advances its leadership transition and positions for its next phase of growth.

Schwartz succeeds Co-Founder Sami Mnaymneh, who will transition to Executive Chairman alongside Co-Founder Tony Tamer, remaining actively involved in the firm’s strategic direction and investment activities.

The appointment marks a continuation of H.I.G.’s long-term leadership development, with Schwartz having been a central figure in the firm’s expansion into a global multi-strategy platform.

Sagard has completed its partnership with Unigestion Private Equity, formally integrating the business into its Sagard Private Equity Solutions platform and strengthening its global middle-market offering.

The transaction brings together Sagard’s multi-strategy capabilities with Unigestion’s established private equity programmes, expanding the firm’s reach across primaries, secondaries, co-investments, and venture capital.

As a result, Sagard Private Equity Solutions now manages more than $23bn in private equity assets, connecting over 300 institutional investors and more than 500 general partners across North America, Europe, and Asia.